Melbourne’s Flinders Street homeless camp to be shut down tomorrow

A sprawling homeless camp outside Melbourne's busiest station is being forced out as builders erect scaffolding to begin a paint job on the historic building.

It's been weeks since a group of homeless people started living outside Flinders Street station, with dozens taking up half the footpath with bedding, luggage and even a couch.

Scaffolding will be installed tomorrow on the footpath where the camp is located, with people given notice by the council to clear out in 24 hours or risk being arrested.

A council spokeswoman said the group had been given notice several days ago and the lord mayor commented that most were "compliant".

Homeless people protested yesterday afternoon and police arrested two for anti-social behaviour, including a woman who allegedly assaulted police and a 17-year-old Queensland boy who was charged with numerous assault offences.

Police will likely be needed to clear the site tomorrow.

In response to public outrage, the lord mayor announced two weeks ago he would enact a bylaw to move rough sleepers on.